How to Pick a Trustworthy General Contractor
Finding a trustworthy general contractor to work with is a big decision, and it does require some research and due diligence on your part. Here are some tips that we think will help you narrow it down to the best choice.
Make sure they're licensed and insured.
While not all contractors you contact may be licensed and insured, it is required by the state of Nevada (and nearly all other states) that a company has completed the required steps in order to legally perform work. Not all contractors that are licensed are good, but it's at least a sign that they understand the laws that apply to their business. You can verify a contractor's license is up to date by visiting your state's board of construction website. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can result in legal and financial problems, and may also put you at risk of poor quality work or safety hazards.
Ask around for referrals.
Start by asking friends or family if they have had any experience working with a contractor for their own remodeling projects. If you already have a space secured, your landlord can also be a great place to get pointed in the right direction. If they've had a positive experience, it's worth contacting them first. As a successful business, James Development has gotten much of their work from word of mouth - it's a good sign that a contactor provides quality service.
Check online reviews (carefully).
Read online reviews on websites like Google Maps to see what other customers have said about the contractor's work quality, professionalism, and communication. Take this information with a grain of salt however, because oftentimes great contractors aren't focused on asking for reviews, and in certain cases only the most disgruntled clients take time to share their experience.
Schedule a walkthrough and get a written estimate.
Any contractor worth their salt will take the time to give you a free written quote. Ask the them to provide a written estimate that includes all the work that will be done, the timeline, and the total cost of the project. A written quote will help you compare the estimates from different contractors and make an informed decision. On this note, avoid estimates that come in much lower than the average - they may be cutting corners or leaving out parts of the work that will need to be performed.
Trust Your Gut.
After meeting with the contractor, ask yourself if you feel comfortable working with them. You're going to have to speak with them throughout the process, and getting along with them on a personal level can make the process less stressful. Do they communicate clearly and listen to your needs? If you have any doubts or concerns, it may be best to keep searching for a contractor who is a better fit for your needs.
How to Select a General Contractor
- Verify that the company is licensed and insured.
- Ask a friend or family member for a referral.
- Check online reviews (cautiously).
- Schedule a walkthrough of the job site.
- Get a written estimate.
- Pick the contractor you feel most comfortable with.